Getting Started
Thank you for purchasing the Rotel RB-985 MKII Power Amplifier.
When used in a high-quality music or home theater system, it will
provide years of musical enjoyment.
The RB-985 MKII is a high-power, five-channel power amplifier,
providing the highest level of audio performance. Discrete output
devices, a massive power supply, premium components, and
Rotel’s Balanced Design ensure superb sound quality. High cur-
rent capability allows the RB-985 MKII to drive the most demand-
ing loudspeakers.
Be aware that the RB-985 MKII is capable of high power levels, in
excess of 100 watts per channel. Make sure that your speakers
can handle the power of the RB-985 MKII. If in doubt about your
speakers, ask your authorized Rotel dealer for advice.
The RB-985 MKII is straightforward in its installation and opera-
tion. If you have experience with other stereo power amplifiers,
you shouldn’t find anything perplexing. Connect some high-quality
RCA cables to your preamp or signal processor and the RB-985
MKII inputs, wire up your speakers, and enjoy.
A Few Precautions
Please read this manual carefully. In addition to basic installation
and operating instructions, it provides valuable information on
system configuration, as well as general information that will help
you get optimum performance from your system. Please contact
your authorized Rotel audio retailer for answers to any questions
you might have. In addition, all of us at Rotel welcome your ques-
tions and comments.
Save the RB-985 MKII shipping carton and all enclosed packing
material for future use. Shipping or moving the RB-985 MKII in
anything other than the original packing material may result in se-
vere damage to your amplifier.
Fill out and send in the owner’s registration card packed with the
RB-985 MKII. Also be sure to keep the original sales receipt. It is
your best record of the date of purchase, which you will need in
the event warranty service is ever required.
Placement
Because of its high power output, the RB-985 MKII may generate
considerable heat. The heat sinks and ventilation openings in the
amplifier are more than capable of dissipating this heat under nor-
mal conditions, but don’t smother your amplifier. There must be
adequate clearance around the chassis. The ventilation slots in
the top cover must be unblocked, and there must be reasonable
airflow around the amplifier. Use common sense when placing the
amplifier in a cabinet or when stacking other equipment.
Likewise, remember the weight of the amplifier when you select
an installation location. Make sure that the shelf or cabinet can
support its considerable bulk. Again, use common sense.
Power and Control
Power Input
4
Because of its high power rating, the RB-985 MKII can draw con-
siderable current. Therefore, it should be plugged directly into a 2-
pin polarized wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord. A heavy
duty multi-tap power outlet strip may be used if it (and the wall
outlet) is rated to handle the current demanded by the RB-985
MKII and all the other components connected to it.
Be sure the power switch on the front panel of the RB-985 MKII is
turned off (in the out position). Connect the supplied power cord
to the power input receptacle on the back of the RB-985 MKII.
Then, plug the other end of the power cord to the power outlet.
Your RB-985 MKII is configured at the factory for the proper AC
line voltage in the country where you purchased it (either 115
volts AC or 230 volts AC with a line frequency of either 50 Hz or 60
Hz). The AC line configuration is noted on a decal on the back
panel.
Note: Should you move your RB-985 MKII amplifier to another
country, it is possible to reconfigure your amplifier for use on a
different line voltage. Do not attempt to perform this conversion
yourself. Opening the enclosure of the RB-985 MKII exposes you
to dangerous voltages. Consult a qualified service person or the
Rotel factory service department for information.
If you are going to be away from home for an extended period of
time such as a month-long vacation, it is a sensible precaution to
unplug your amplifier (as well as other audio and video compo-
nents) while you are away.
Power Switch
1
and Power Indicator
2
The power switch is located on the front panel of your amplifier.
To turn the amplifier on, push the switch in. The LED indicator
above the switch will light, indicating that the amplifier is turned
on. To turn the amplifier off, push the button again and return it to
the out position.
Protection Circuitry
The RB-985 MKII features a thermal protection circuit that pro-
tects the amplifier against potential damage in the event of ex-
treme or faulty operating conditions. Unlike many designs, the
RB-985 MKII’s protection circuit is independent of the audio signal
and has no impact on sonic performance. Instead, the protection
circuit monitors the temperature of the output devices and shuts
down the amplifier if temperatures exceed safe limits.
2
FIVE CHANNEL POWER AMPLIFIER RB-985 MKII